Patrick "Pat" Schipper

Patrick "Pat" Shawn Schipper was taken from this earth on March 29, 2022, age 63, after fighting for survival from a traumatic brain injury. He was born on January 18, 1959 in Duluth, MN to Emerald “Skip” and Alice (Blow) Schipper. He graduated from Washington High School in 1977 and joined the Army National Guard (and later the Air National Guard) where he served until 2015.

Pat raised 3 kids and his jobs took him all over the country, until the family finally settled in Southern Minnesota in 1987. Pat’s jobs in maintenance meant he was never afraid to tinker and fix something himself. He was always creating something, such as his custom chess set, pallet Christmas trees for each kid, and refurbishing the Grandfather clock.

He loved to teach us kids about things, he kept us up late one night to go star gazing and would love to debate about current events and politics. We started doing family conference calls after the weekly Game of Thrones episodes would air, much to the chagrin of our spouses.

Pat inherited a love for baking from his Dad. He would create elaborate pies and desserts he loved to show off, most recently introducing us to a baklava.

He was very proud of his time in the service, and had collected a number of challenge coins and displayed flags and military memorabilia proudly in his home. He continued to serve by volunteering his time with the VFW, including holding a post as a 2nd District Commander.

Pat was born to be a Grandfather. When his first grandchild was about to be born, he was (not so patiently) waiting at the hospital. He would buy them special little gifts, read them books, and continued to teach them about the world, just like he did with us kids.

Pat would drop anything to be there for those he loved. As evidence many times where our old clunker cars would break down and he would drive all over the state to pick us up. He was there for every move despite his failing knees. He did a monthly zoom call with all his siblings, and would never miss a Schipper family reunion. Above all, he was dedicated to enjoying as much time with his family as possible.

Pat is survived by his children, Amanda (Pete) Kennedy, Zachary (Tasha) Schipper, and Katelyn (Cole Barrer) Schipper; their mother, Leslie Schipper; grandchildren, Arianna, Cora, Victoria, Lucy, and Zachary, Jr.; siblings, Bruce (Pam) Schipper, Pam (Dick) Starnes, Spencer (Ava) Schipper, Rebekah (Tom) Garinger, Mary (Kirk) Johnson, John (Tina) Schipper, and Chuck (Maria) Schipper. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the VFW are preferred.